Archetypes Explained

When it comes to the topic of human evolution, understanding different archetypal patterns or forces at play in our world can help us understand how to better heal our world.?Click to visit our website and read the whole blog.

When we understand that different deities or “gods” in our experience are archetypal gods that exist at a higher level of consciousness, we begin to grasp the importance of this issue. Archetypes mold and influence our consciousness at a universal scale.

Have you heard of shapeshifting or shapeshifters?

More common?in Celtic, Native American, or Voodoo traditions, shapeshifting is typically seen as the idea of a person turning into an animal. Although shapeshifting can be practiced in this manner, there is a more esoteric meaning for the term that extends beyond the realm of animal magic.

In the esoteric traditions, the practice of shapeshifting involves changing between archetypes. In this way, a magician can embody different archetypal “god” energy and channel various beings into this plane of existence. If we are talking about channeling, embodying spirits, or working with beings at a higher level of reality, we are speaking about communication with archetypal energy.

Archetypes are written in the stars. If you have studied astrology, you will be familiar with the zodiac and the different astrological signs that give us an energy signature throughout the day. Each of these “zodiac signs” represents archetypal energies that exist at the universal level. Here on the earthly plane, we have different energy signatures that exist inside of the collective consciousness of mankind.

Carl Jung is one of the founding fathers of studying archetypes. His work into understanding the collective consciousness is paramount to working with archetypes. Before contacting these higher forces at work, it is necessary to know that they exist. If you have studied Hermetic philosophy, you will have learned about the planes of correspondence and the different entities that exist at the various levels. When we work with archetypal energy, we are tapping into the true nature of these “higher powers”. In such a way, we can energize ourselves and gain insight through direct communication with the collective mind.

Sound crazy? Well, consider that the archetype of “the hero’s journey” is the framework for just about every successful movie, book, or story since the dawn of civilization. Gilgamesh, the world’s oldest mythology, chronicles the original “heroes journey” through the tale of the ancient evil king who became good through passing a series of tests. Once he received his enlightenment, Gilgamesh returns home to share the gift that he gained as a result of his archetypal journey.

The same hero’s journey was repeated in the story of Hercules. Inside of these twelve labors, Hercules travels through the different signs of the Zodiac in his quest to achieve immortality. As a half-son of Zeus, Hercules embodies the divine archetypal powers that hold sway inside of our world. Hercules would go on to inspire Achilles. In the fabled Trojan War, the Greek Hero Achilles does battle with his rival Hector. In the story, we learn that Achilles embodies the unwilling hero. Achilles does not wish to engage in battle with the Trojans until he experiences the death of his closest friends. Once he tastes this darkness, Achilles goes on to defeat the Trojans and ultimately dies when his ankle is pierced with a poison apple.

In the same vein, Alexander the Great was inspired by Achilles. Everywhere he went, the Macedonian conqueror carried his copy of Homer’s epic:?The Iliad. During his trials as the conqueror of the ancient world, the young Alexander drew inspiration from Achilles in his real-life hero’s journey.

The Heroes Journey

Archetypes like “The Hero” shape our world. They are embedded in our world mythologies. If you believe that archetypes and ancient gods are an energy of the past, you are mistaken. Draw your attention to the modern-day archetypes here in 2020: the superheroes. Whether we are talking about Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Spider-Man, Iron Man, or any of them… Superheroes and fantasy worlds still capture our imagination. They are sources of inspiration for our youth. They captivate audiences and generate billions of dollars for media companies that influence our political processes.

Star Wars?was based on Joseph Campbell’s book “The Hero With A Thousand Faces“. Inside of this great work, Campbell details the hero’s journey. He breaks down the different stages of growth that all heroes encounter inside of their journeys. Campbell explains that generically speaking, the typical “hero” character is unwilling. They are called into an adventure against their wishes. Gandalf summons Frodo to carry the ring to Mount Doom because he must. Luke Skywalker does not want to leave his home until his relatives are killed and his life is in danger.

The hero is often scared. Throughout their experience, the hero encounters mentors. Dumbledore finds Harry Potter, Aslan meets Lucy, and Morpheus rescues Neo. In your own life, have you ever encountered a mentor who turned your life around? For me, Alex Charfen, Miles Beckler, and Carol Tuttle all come to mind.

The hero is trained by their teachers. Joseph Campbell explains that the hero goes through a period of initiation. While embracing his higher power, the hero must prove himself to his teachers. In war, Soldiers go through boot camp or basic training. Special Operations communities all over the world are selective. In the same way, Harry Potter must prove himself to The Order Of The Phoenix before they will bring him on board. Luke Skywalker is trained by Yoda on a remote planet. Batman travels the world to master martial arts, chemistry, and technology.

Following training, the hero faces their first test. Typically, the hero makes a name for themselves. Spiderman catches the villain and hoists him up for the police. Superman rescues a man who is trying to kill himself. Achilles defeats Hector in one-on-one combat. Alexander the Great conquers Persia without losing a battle.

This period of success oftentimes leads to the hero becoming their own worst nightmare. The ego takes over. The hero’s old demons come back to fight them once again. In the Lord of the Rings, Frodo begins to let the power of the Ring take him over. He insists to Sam that he alone is worthy of being the Ring-bearer. In Star Wars, Luke Skywalker faces Darth Vader before his training is complete. In real life, Alexander the Great expanded his empire too quickly.

In the stories, the hero faces setbacks. Typically, the villain gets one over on the hero at least once. In the superhero moves of 2018 and 2019, we watched the Avengers face almost certain defeat by Thanos. In the Lord of the Rings, Frodo appears defeated by Shelob and captured by the orcs of Mordor. In Star Wars, Han Solo is frozen in carbonate. In real life, we learn about how Caesar is named a criminal after his conquest of Gaul. We learn about just how close Hitler came to winning WW2 on several occasions. In the archetype of the hero’s journey, there is often a moment of almost certain death.

Oftentimes, the hero bounces back. Luke Skywalker and the rebels defeat the Empire (with the help of our Ewok friends, of course). Harry Potter beats Voldemort. The Avengers set the universe back to its proper order.

However, in real life, this is typically not the case. If we read history, we can learn that our real-life “heroes” oftentimes fall short. Alexander the Great died young. Achilles dies from an arrow in his ankle. Caesar is murdered by his supposed friends. Napoleon is exiled. Tzar Nicholas and his family are shot in a basement. Barrack Obama brings little change.

So where do we go wrong?

Why do we strive so diligently to follow the hero’s journey if it only leads to ruin?